Great to see that list and lists are a personal thing. M y top 10 under £50 Talisker 10 - A real go to dram of mine over many years and often discounted to £30 a bottle. Benromach 10 - This is a very tasty whisky with an old time style. Love that dirty sherry note. Port Charlotte PC10 - The best quality/value age statement on Islay (for me). Ardbeg 10 - Has to be on the list. A classic but more expensive than PC10 and lower abv. Springbank 10 - A lovely whisky with a benchmark Campbelltown profile. Kilkerran 12 - Talking of benchmark Campbelltown style. As enjoyable as the Springbank. Bunnahabhain 12 - Often discounted below £40 and a classic non peated Islay. The Ileach - Mystery cask strength Islay NAS. (Is it really Lagavulin?) Good stuff. Glencadam 13 - Delightful finesse. A lovely stone fruit whisky and under the radar. Craigellachie 13 - Some similarities to the Glencadam but a far oiler mouth feel. A very personal list prone to changes and all 46% abv and above apart from the Benromach (43%). Quite difficult to pick just ten because there are many good ones off my list. The Bunnahabhain is the only one with any meaningful sherry. There are so many honourable mentions (special mention to Kilchoman but didn't want to become an Islay fanboy like you) that it makes me realise that we are in quite a good place. These are very good whiskies and it really makes me question some of the absurd prices we pay for stuff that is not that much better. In fact I'm loving my list and I truly believe that these whiskies have a quintessential 'whisky profile - mature enough to avoid feints and young enough to have some punchy tale to tell.
Like many others I will stump for Bunnahabain 12, insane complexity for how young and relatively affordable it is ($50 in Chicago, USA). Frosting, violets, roses, honey mustard, orchard fruits, white and milk chocolate, wax, months after opening it I was still finding new nuanced flavors in it. So much going on in such a balanced way.
Whisk(e)y loving folks, I present to you the quintessential, no-brainer reviewer on RUclips. I know he was held hostage for a while on Islay, but that's not a bad place to be held hostage!
I consider it a huge compliment to own (and love) 7/10 from your list! A little surprised the Bunnahabhain 12 didn't make it on there, I think that will be the whisky I would suggest everyone to keep in their bar, absolutely delicious dram! The Laphroaig 10, Caol Ila 12, Ardbeg 10 and Talisker 10 are wonderful introductions to the big Islay names! Kilchoman Machir Bay and Port Charlotte 10 (Bruichladdich), I find a little similar save for the added complexity and heft of the PC10. I remember that Machir Bay being one of the 1st Islay drams I tried because it was on sale; boy did I enjoy that one - barbeque buffet! Super glad to finally see you making these top lists, hoping for many many more to come!! P.S. - Now the quest to find the Arran Bothy CS begins :)
Great list, would personally remove the Caol Ila 12 & Balvenie 12 Double Wood. Add one of the following Ledaig 10, Bunnahabhain 12, Clynish 14 or Edradour 10.
Thanks for the suggestions. Talisker 10 is absolutely amazing with food. Maybe because it's both sweet and salty so it pairs well with a lot of different food
Agree with some of them🤔...but I think I would take Glenallachie 12yo instead of Balvenie 12yo..... Bunnahabhain 12yo instead of Laphroaig 10yo...Kilkerran 12 instead of Talisker 10yo...and Deanston 12 instead of Kilchoman Machir Bay....just a personal opinion. But it would be quite nice to try your list🥂 cheers
No matter how big my collection grows and how many high end whiskys I have and try, I always have a sweet spot for the classics. The entry level whiskys that made me get into whisky always have to be stocked in my bar not just because of nostalgia but because they are also great casual sippers. Great video!!!
Nice list. But no Bunnahabhain 12? To me its the quintessential value whisky. 46%, 12 year age statement, no chill filtration, and no artificial color.
Great list and all whiskies I’d recommend. In the case of the Bothy, NAS yes however Arran has stated that the Bothy is aged 7 years exbourbon + 2 in 1/4 casks. Now why they couldn’t just stick a 9 on it I don’t know, but at least it’s something to go by.
I love the lists, I have all ten of these, though some never opened yet. I was building my bar based on catagories, with the intention of doing head to head comparisons for myself. Last year I went looking for young Cask strengths like the Bothy, then I went for sherry bombs, then highland peat and then 18 year olds. Islay is always there as a standard thing on the shopping list. Anything new. This weekend I'm working on A'Bunadh and Tamdhu CS. These 2 are driving me crazy because they are almost identical.
for all the islays on the list you left out bunnahabhain 12? no campbeltown? a must have for me is clynelish 14. in the end a list of all classics are classics for a reason, cheers!
Nice list. Just saw that they are now selling 2 versions of the Glendronach 12 in my online store. The original non chilled filtered for €45 and the new version for €34. This is in Holland.
Great list! Even though any mention of Laphroaig 10 @ 40% does (and will probably always) grind my gears :-) Crime against humanity.... Am I right in thinking that bottle has been on your shelf for a while? I think new ones now say "ONE OF the most richly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies" I think your other 40% picks are great though. OP12 and Glendronach 12 in particular have flavour profiles that I think do surprisingly well at low strength. Great value. And all of your peaty picks are superb. Cheers!
Hope you’re having a great Sunday. Mine is shaping up to be spectacular. Why? Cuz my man is dropping the absolute quintessential cheap expensive must have on the bar need to get scotch list. No brainer. Naturally. 🥃 Solid list. Got all but the Arran, so in its place I would put the Classic Laddie… why leave Islay? 😀
Brilliant list and shows so many great drama under £50. Especially the brilliant PC10 which punches well above the cost. About 5% of my whisky herd was more than £50 and you can really find great bargains if you hunt hard enough, cheers.
I would have one of those on my list, although I don't really like peaty whisky and typically avoid things bottled at 40%. No Bunnahabhain 12, Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie, Glencadam 10 or Deanston 12? I'd probably recommend the Arran 10 over the QC too.
All of these Whiskys are very good for the price! Very good list👌 But: Talisker is no longer the only distillery on Skye. You forgot Torabhaig, the second Distillery on the island. 😉
Hey man, I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the video and have added it to my whisky playlist, so that I can refer back to it when buying a new whisky.
Not hot 🔥 on the Balvenie or Glendronach (new bottling admittedly), would consider a Glen Scotia bottling, Springbank 10, Bunna 12, Arran 10 instead of Bothy, Glenallachie 12, Ardnamurchan bottling, Strathmill F&F 12, the list goes on. It’s a piece of string isn’t it 😆😆
Long time lover of whisky, recently found your channel. So far I'm impressed with not just your knowlage, but also production quality and pleasant and relaxed way you talk. I loathe whisky snobism. Yes, there is a lot to learn but there is no need to make whisky an "upper class" nerd fest or even worst, something people collect but don't drink. Looking at the background I feel like you need to make a video about your whisky collection. Best wishes from finland, have you tried any finnish whisky? Slainte! PS. PC10 is such a hidden treasure for sure!
A great list, even if it is peat-heavy. Your pricing was spot on for a couple, while the rest tended to be just above your limit in my area (which I attribute to idiosnycratic stocking and pricing policies of the state regulatory agency) and the Arran Bothy QC came in just under $100 US.
Yes , there are still good age stated whiskies out there at good prices ,basically great list (haven’t had the bothy though)and an enjoyable video. Nice one and Slàinte
I stay away from the big brands as they are poor experience at 40 abv.Most of the expressions are chill filtered and coloured. I would choose ledaig 10 as my smoky whisky.
Fantastic video. Thanks for putting in the time to research prices. Next year I’m focusing on trying more scotch but… will be more selective when I spend my cash. This list gave me some great options. Cheers brother 🥃
There are no whiskey better than glen garioch 12 yo around the world... I don't think that you had it before, it's simply full of everything Price around 45€
Lately, I have had absolutely great Port Charlotte 10 yo bottles. If you are Islay fan, take a look Port Charlotte. I have had it with Ardbeg and Laphroaig standard bottless, higher production volume, lower quality. So simple and sad.
You're absolutely right. PCs are killing it right now. And it's thanks to Adam Hannet (the new master distiller) who is doing some seriously good work.
Yeah, your US prices are all about $15 lower than our prices here. That's a year down the line and I'm from a former blue law state. Although beer and wine are sold in food markets, spirits are controlled and sold in state liquor stores only. The state commission determines what is sold, for how much, where in the state. Recently, a commissioner stepped down in the wake of a Pappy Van Winkle scandal. Who knows, maybe they're diverting all the Springbank into elite hands, too?
![Megan Thee Stallion - Neva Play (feat. RM) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TpYTyAaTRts/mqdefault.jpg)
Great to see that list and lists are a personal thing. M y top 10 under £50
Talisker 10 - A real go to dram of mine over many years and often discounted to £30 a bottle.
Benromach 10 - This is a very tasty whisky with an old time style. Love that dirty sherry note.
Port Charlotte PC10 - The best quality/value age statement on Islay (for me).
Ardbeg 10 - Has to be on the list. A classic but more expensive than PC10 and lower abv.
Springbank 10 - A lovely whisky with a benchmark Campbelltown profile.
Kilkerran 12 - Talking of benchmark Campbelltown style. As enjoyable as the Springbank.
Bunnahabhain 12 - Often discounted below £40 and a classic non peated Islay.
The Ileach - Mystery cask strength Islay NAS. (Is it really Lagavulin?) Good stuff.
Glencadam 13 - Delightful finesse. A lovely stone fruit whisky and under the radar.
Craigellachie 13 - Some similarities to the Glencadam but a far oiler mouth feel.
A very personal list prone to changes and all 46% abv and above apart from the Benromach (43%). Quite difficult to pick just ten because there are many good ones off my list. The Bunnahabhain is the only one with any meaningful sherry. There are so many honourable mentions (special mention to Kilchoman but didn't want to become an Islay fanboy like you) that it makes me realise that we are in quite a good place. These are very good whiskies and it really makes me question some of the absurd prices we pay for stuff that is not that much better. In fact I'm loving my list and I truly believe that these whiskies have a quintessential 'whisky profile - mature enough to avoid feints and young enough to have some punchy tale to tell.
That's a great list. Would have to agree 100% with you. Maybe it's for another TOP 10 under 50!
Like many others I will stump for Bunnahabain 12, insane complexity for how young and relatively affordable it is ($50 in Chicago, USA). Frosting, violets, roses, honey mustard, orchard fruits, white and milk chocolate, wax, months after opening it I was still finding new nuanced flavors in it. So much going on in such a balanced way.
Seems like I missed out on this one!
I agree. It's fantastic and elaborate.
Whisk(e)y loving folks, I present to you the quintessential, no-brainer reviewer on RUclips. I know he was held hostage for a while on Islay, but that's not a bad place to be held hostage!
hahaha! It certainly isn't !
I consider it a huge compliment to own (and love) 7/10 from your list! A little surprised the Bunnahabhain 12 didn't make it on there, I think that will be the whisky I would suggest everyone to keep in their bar, absolutely delicious dram!
The Laphroaig 10, Caol Ila 12, Ardbeg 10 and Talisker 10 are wonderful introductions to the big Islay names!
Kilchoman Machir Bay and Port Charlotte 10 (Bruichladdich), I find a little similar save for the added complexity and heft of the PC10. I remember that Machir Bay being one of the 1st Islay drams I tried because it was on sale; boy did I enjoy that one - barbeque buffet!
Super glad to finally see you making these top lists, hoping for many many more to come!!
P.S. - Now the quest to find the Arran Bothy CS begins :)
Great list, would personally remove the Caol Ila 12 & Balvenie 12 Double Wood. Add one of the following Ledaig 10, Bunnahabhain 12, Clynish 14 or Edradour 10.
Great picks all of them. I think I might have to do another list based on people's suggestions.
Nah he had it right. I prefer balvenie 12 over bunnajabhain
Thanks for the suggestions. Talisker 10 is absolutely amazing with food. Maybe because it's both sweet and salty so it pairs well with a lot of different food
I agree. Very versatile!
Agree with some of them🤔...but I think I would take Glenallachie 12yo instead of Balvenie 12yo..... Bunnahabhain 12yo instead of Laphroaig 10yo...Kilkerran 12 instead of Talisker 10yo...and Deanston 12 instead of Kilchoman Machir Bay....just a personal opinion. But it would be quite nice to try your list🥂 cheers
Maybe it's time for another list!
@@MaltActivist Lists are quite funny. There's so many diferent opinions and that's good👍...would have been quite boring otherwise🥂Cheers
@@bluesmanen1 Exactly!
No matter how big my collection grows and how many high end whiskys I have and try, I always have a sweet spot for the classics. The entry level whiskys that made me get into whisky always have to be stocked in my bar not just because of nostalgia but because they are also great casual sippers. Great video!!!
Thank you Phillip!!
Imported scotch whiskies are way cheaper here in Japan compared with the same product in UK. Bottom shelf Cutty Sark (70cl) is under a fiver.
Nice list. But no Bunnahabhain 12? To me its the quintessential value whisky. 46%, 12 year age statement, no chill filtration, and no artificial color.
hmmmm that's fair
Arran 10 would have been a nice addition instead of the QC if you prefer age statement. Great list.
Fair point. But I really like the QC tho.
@@MaltActivist The QC is hard to find in the US.
Great list and all whiskies I’d recommend. In the case of the Bothy, NAS yes however Arran has stated that the Bothy is aged 7 years exbourbon + 2 in 1/4 casks. Now why they couldn’t just stick a 9 on it I don’t know, but at least it’s something to go by.
I feel ya re the Bothy
I love the lists, I have all ten of these, though some never opened yet.
I was building my bar based on catagories, with the intention of doing head to head comparisons for myself.
Last year I went looking for young Cask strengths like the Bothy, then I went for sherry bombs, then highland peat and then 18 year olds. Islay is always there as a standard thing on the shopping list. Anything new.
This weekend I'm working on A'Bunadh and Tamdhu CS. These 2 are driving me crazy because they are almost identical.
Love a good head to head -- I have my money on the A'Bunadh
for all the islays on the list you left out bunnahabhain 12? no campbeltown? a must have for me is clynelish 14. in the end a list of all classics are classics for a reason, cheers!
you can try the Laphroaig 10 cask strength . It is more complex, lingers longer in the palate and super yummy than the regular 10.
I have been collecting and tasting the Laphroaig 10 CS since it's first release! Stellar whisky
Good job. There cannot be too much Islay whiskies. My favorite is the PC 10 from the Bruichladdich Distillery. Cheers mate.
Mine too!
Nice list. Just saw that they are now selling 2 versions of the Glendronach 12 in my online store. The original non chilled filtered for €45 and the new version for €34. This is in Holland.
Ahhhhh... interesting. Which one will you go for?
@@MaltActivist I find it a bit to oaky Like the 18 more. But the old one is better in my opinion.
@@WhiskyLoversSociety the 18 Allardice is one of my all time favorites
Great list! Even though any mention of Laphroaig 10 @ 40% does (and will probably always) grind my gears :-) Crime against humanity.... Am I right in thinking that bottle has been on your shelf for a while? I think new ones now say "ONE OF the most richly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies"
I think your other 40% picks are great though. OP12 and Glendronach 12 in particular have flavour profiles that I think do surprisingly well at low strength. Great value. And all of your peaty picks are superb. Cheers!
Cheers. Yes, that's a pretty old bottle of Laphroaig 10 so you're probably right. I'll have a look as well.
Hope you’re having a great Sunday. Mine is shaping up to be spectacular. Why? Cuz my man is dropping the absolute quintessential cheap expensive must have on the bar need to get scotch list. No brainer. Naturally. 🥃
Solid list. Got all but the Arran, so in its place I would put the Classic Laddie… why leave Islay? 😀
I agree with you 100%
Brilliant list and shows so many great drama under £50. Especially the brilliant PC10 which punches well above the cost.
About 5% of my whisky herd was more than £50 and you can really find great bargains if you hunt hard enough, cheers.
I agree 100%
I would have one of those on my list, although I don't really like peaty whisky and typically avoid things bottled at 40%. No Bunnahabhain 12, Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie, Glencadam 10 or Deanston 12? I'd probably recommend the Arran 10 over the QC too.
An amazing list . Arran bothy is an amazing dram for the money.
It sure is!
and I just got 24 yo Single Malt from Costco for $68, I think I did good 👍
All of these Whiskys are very good for the price!
Very good list👌
But: Talisker is no longer the only distillery on Skye. You forgot Torabhaig, the second Distillery on the island. 😉
Yes, you're right! I wish I did more research before making videos.
I like the recent series… you should do top 3 in the 100, 200, 300, 500-1000$ and or pound ranges
And then end it with just one bottle in the MILLION DOLLAR range !
Malt Activist of course! (Send me a sample) . Seriously would like to see your taste.
@@lesterdiamond12 I don't think I have enough money for the insurance!
@@lesterdiamond12 Hello Good day I have few bottles left in the store ,Dm if you are interested in getting one 🥃🥃
Hello Good day I have few bottles left in the store ,Dm if you are interested in getting one 🥃🥃
Hey man, I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the video and have added it to my whisky playlist, so that I can refer back to it when buying a new whisky.
Dude! That is the best compliment ever! And if you want to know anything else just ask away.
Not hot 🔥 on the Balvenie or Glendronach (new bottling admittedly), would consider a Glen Scotia bottling, Springbank 10, Bunna 12, Arran 10 instead of Bothy, Glenallachie 12, Ardnamurchan bottling, Strathmill F&F 12, the list goes on. It’s a piece of string isn’t it 😆😆
haha it certainly is. Great picks though. Looks like I'm being forced to do a second list.
Long time lover of whisky, recently found your channel. So far I'm impressed with not just your knowlage, but also production quality and pleasant and relaxed way you talk. I loathe whisky snobism. Yes, there is a lot to learn but there is no need to make whisky an "upper class" nerd fest or even worst, something people collect but don't drink. Looking at the background I feel like you need to make a video about your whisky collection. Best wishes from finland, have you tried any finnish whisky? Slainte!
PS. PC10 is such a hidden treasure for sure!
Welcome to the gang! Thank you for the kind words - means a lot. And no, unfortunately, never tried a Finnish whisky. Would love to though.
The list is great and like you said most of them are quintessential no brainers. Can't disagree with you. Cheers 🍻 🍻
Glad we're on the same page!
A great list, even if it is peat-heavy. Your pricing was spot on for a couple, while the rest tended to be just above your limit in my area (which I attribute to idiosnycratic stocking and pricing policies of the state regulatory agency) and the Arran Bothy QC came in just under $100 US.
Cheers!
Yes , there are still good age stated whiskies out there at good prices ,basically great list (haven’t had the bothy though)and an enjoyable video. Nice one and Slàinte
Slainte!
I stay away from the big brands as they are poor experience at 40 abv.Most of the expressions are chill filtered and coloured. I would choose ledaig 10 as my smoky whisky.
Ledaig 10 is a beauty!
Fantastic video. Thanks for putting in the time to research prices. Next year I’m focusing on trying more scotch but… will be more selective when I spend my cash. This list gave me some great options. Cheers brother 🥃
Cheers brother!
There are no whiskey better than glen garioch 12 yo around the world...
I don't think that you had it before, it's simply full of everything
Price around 45€
You're right. Great dram!
It was a no-brainer to watch this quintessential list of ten.
Touché
Lately, I have had absolutely great Port Charlotte 10 yo bottles. If you are Islay fan, take a look Port Charlotte. I have had it with Ardbeg and Laphroaig standard bottless, higher production volume, lower quality. So simple and sad.
You're absolutely right. PCs are killing it right now. And it's thanks to Adam Hannet (the new master distiller) who is doing some seriously good work.
I'm a newbie so this video is super helpful. I am however surprised you did not know there is another distillery on Skye
I do now
Why do we have Laphroaig 10 in Brazil with 43% alcohol? I always wondered...
can you help me with this doubt?
Must be some market regulations...
Amazing collection chief
Man I'm so upset that my state in the US wont allow alcohol to be shipped/purchased online. I guess I need to move to Texas or Florida
I think you need to move to Scotland - right next to a distillery!
@@MaltActivist if I did, it would have to be ardbeg
@@paulcorrona3564 Well, then we'd be neighbors
So odd, but I was not impressed by the Balvenie. Love Benriach the Smoky 12 so so much more.
and I just got 24 yo Single Malt from Costco for $68, excited 😆
Are you talking about the Kirkland?
@@MaltActivist yep, really like their line
@@rostislavtraps7148 Nice. And they have a 24 year old Single Malt? It's not a blend, is it?
@@MaltActivist no, it’s not a blend. Speyside Sherry finished single malt by Alexander Murray. Costco has whole series of it: 18,20,22,23 and now 24
Excellent list, MA. I have a feeling you might hit 10k subscribers by the end of next year. Let’s see.
Fingers crossed!
@@MaltActivist That will make you an influencer, not just an activist 😉
Great choices, but the idea that those are under $67 somewhere makes me cry. They'd range from $79 up to $110 where I live.
Not sure where you live Tim but these can all be found in UK for that price
Yeah, your US prices are all about $15 lower than our prices here. That's a year down the line and I'm from a former blue law state. Although beer and wine are sold in food markets, spirits are controlled and sold in state liquor stores only. The state commission determines what is sold, for how much, where in the state. Recently, a commissioner stepped down in the wake of a Pappy Van Winkle scandal. Who knows, maybe they're diverting all the Springbank into elite hands, too?
Who know? Who knows?
Do you have a list of the top unpeated Scotch? I loved the peat and the smoke for a long time but I find myself moving away from it these days.
I can make a list for you if you like
Coal Ila is $84 here in Texas 😐
oh really? that's pretty steep
Deanston 12, Bunahabhain 12, Tamdhu 12?
I think this is an old video. These ones would def make the cut now.
Wow, you and I have a very similar taste bruv, love your videos
Awesome! Thank you!
very informative 😎
Glad it was helpful!
Love this
Thank you!
Can’t disagree with any of those choices.
You, sir, are a man of good taste!
In gibraltar the laphroaig 10 sells at an average of £22,80
That is a CRAZY price! You guys are lucky!
@@MaltActivist not from gibraltar just visiting it
Great list!
Glad you think so!
Love your work, thank you!
Have you tried Arran Barrel Reserve?
Cheers
Thank you. And, yes, I have. A good dram.
Laphroaig 10 very nice
It absolutely is!
It's ALL relative. lol
That's true Debby